Henderson City Council authorizes pursuit of funding for emergency communications tower

Henderson City Council voted unanimously April 10 to authorize city staff to pursue grant funding and partnership investments to establish an emergency communications tower near the North Henderson ballfield.

City Manager Edward T. Blackmon told the council the city has long sought ways to improve radio signal clarity for emergency responders in certain locations and inside buildings. Congressman Don Davis’s office offered an opportunity to apply for a $3 million congressional appropriation to help fund the project; that award would require a 25% local match of $750,000. The manager said options for the match include American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, proceeds from selling existing leases, or other grant sources.

The city’s Public Safety Committee reviewed possible locations and technical needs before referring the matter to the full council. Councilmember Garry D. Daeke asked specifically about match options and referenced ARPA as a possible source; Blackmon reiterated multiple funding strategies remain under consideration.

Councilmember Melissa Elliott moved approval of Resolution 23-08, which authorizes city staff to procure grant funding and partner investments for the tower; Councilmember Jason A. Spriggs seconded the motion. The resolution passed unanimously.

The resolution does not commit municipal funds beyond authorizing pursuit of grants and partnerships. Next steps identified in the meeting record include further technical study of tower siting, confirmation of funding match sources, and formal agreements if grant awards are secured. The council did not set an implementation timeline at the meeting.